Sunlight brightens up any residential or commercial interior, and there's no better way to maximize it than by daylighting. Daylighting is the use of design elements like windows, skylights, and reflective surfaces to bring in as much natural lighting as possible.
But daylighting does not only make spaces more aesthetically pleasing; it also offers a multitude of benefits to your home or business. Here are some advantages you can enjoy when you choose to daylight:
Benefits of daylighting in homes
Savings in energy consumption – Light and warmth from the sun are free, and the more of these you have in your property, the less you’ll have to spend on artificial lighting and heating systems. In fact, studies show that natural light can help you save up to 75% of your average energy consumption. This figure includes the savings you’ll get from cutting down on your cooling needs. After all, electric lighting fixtures generate heat so you need to cool them down.
More comfortable dwelling – Aside from giving an illusion of more space, daylighting can make your abode a more cozy one. You can strategically install skylights or solar tubes so that the sun can naturally heat your home during the winter, and keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer.
Physical and mental health benefits – According to multiple studies, daylighting has a positive effect on human health. For one, it makes people more energetic: exposure to natural light is critical to the body’s circadian rhythm, and a healthy amount of daylight may combat one’s imbalanced sleep-wake cycle. Daylit environments also increase productivity and provide better mental and visual stimulations that help occupants be more active.
Benefits of daylighting in commercial spaces
Higher potential sales – Stores with natural illumination are more inviting to customers than stores with artificial lighting, so they enjoy increased foot traffic and higher potential sales. In 2001, California experienced a power crisis that forced stores to run at half-lighting power. During this time, fully daylit stores had a 5.5% monthly average sales increase compared to non-daylit ones.
Increased product appeal – In a seminal study conducted by the Heschong Mahone Group, skylights were found to be the best predictor of sales. It was discovered that stores without skylights would see 40% more sales if they added skylights. Products under the skylight are also more likely to sell than those placed under electrical lighting — no matter which products these may be. This can be attributed to the fact that natural light increases color rendition, while artificial lighting makes colors appear duller or of a different shade, lowering the product’s appeal.
Happier employees – Exposure to sunlight prompts the brain to release serotonin, a chemical that stabilizes a person’s moods. Getting a good dose of serotonin improves your employees' disposition and temperament, which means they are more likely to assist customers cheerfully. Data shows that happy employees outperform unhappy ones by up to 12%. They are also more likely to stay in their jobs.
Choose D&D Roofing for your daylighting needs
Spring is quickly approaching and daytime is getting longer, so take advantage of the abundance of natural light by installing skylights and solar tubes on your roof now. For any daylighting solutions, you can count on D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc.. When you do business with us, you can rest assured that you’re hiring the most experienced roofers in the state. We’re proud to say that we have been in the business of building, fixing, and refurbishing Nevadan roofs for over 40 years now.
Ready to experience the many benefits of daylighting? Get a FREE estimate for your home or business today.